Amazonia

Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 3RT, Scotland
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Motherwell? Amazonia is a unique indoor tropical rainforest attraction located within Scotland's Theme Park, housing a wide variety of exotic animals and vibrant plant species. It provides an immersive family day out where visitors can explore a temperature-controlled environment and discover fascinating creatures up close.

Standard adult tickets are priced at £8.95 on the day (£8.50 online), while child tickets cost £6.50 on the day (£5.95 online), and children under 3 enter for free. Concessions and disabled or carer tickets are available on the day for £7.50.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational wildlife encounters with indoor weather-proof adventure, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers an engaging experience where children can learn about South American ecosystems, observe rare species, and even take part in hands-on animal sessions.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Indoor Tropical Rainforest: A fully temperature-controlled environment recreating the climate of the Amazon basin.
  • Interactive Handling Sessions: Educational experiences allowing visitors to touch and hold selected reptiles and invertebrates under keeper supervision.
  • Nocturnal Zone: A specialised dark exhibit area designed to showcase active night-time creatures like bats and scorpions.
  • Exotic Species Discovery: Home to over 60 different species, including free-roaming marmosets, colourful parrots, and dart frogs.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Nocturnal House: Step into a dimly lit alternate-daylight zone where nocturnal animals wake up. Children find it fascinating to watch short-tailed bats glide silently and spot scorpions and kinkajous moving around in the dark.
  • Marmoset Monkey Enclosure: Watch energetic black-tailed marmosets leap through the tropical foliage right beside the visitor pathways. Their playful and quick movements always capture the attention of younger children.
  • Reptile and Amphibian Zone: Explore glass habitats housing striking creatures such as the Burmese python, Amazon tree boa, and colourful poison dart frogs. It is a brilliant spot for kids to learn about camouflage and rainforest predators.
  • Exotic Bird Aviary: Listen out for the calls of vibrant parrots, toucans, and red-crested turacos flying through the upper branches. The bright plumage and vocal nature of the birds make this an engaging stop for all ages.
  • The Animal Handling Experience Room: Join scheduled keeper-led sessions to get a close-up look at friendly reptiles or mini beasts. Children love the hands-on chance to touch scaled or furry animals while learning fun facts from expert staff.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Baby Changing: Accessible public toilets and baby changing stations located close to the main entrance and theme park amenities.
  • Buggy Access: The indoor rainforest features flat, paved pathways suitable for pushchairs, though space can be tight inside peak walking zones.
  • Food Options: Nearby eateries include Monterey Jacks for burgers, Mario and Dino's for pizza, and the Bistro at the Loch.
  • Lockers & Storage: Standard theme park facilities available on-site for bag storage during your visit.

Pro-Tips

  • Dress in Layers: Because Amazonia is a temperature-controlled tropical indoor house, it stays warm and humid year-round, so it is best to shed heavy coats before entering.
  • Time Your Arrival: Check the daily timetable at reception upon arrival so you do not miss the scheduled animal handling sessions or fish feeding times.
  • Combine Your Day: Pair your rainforest visit with a walk around Strathclyde Country Park or an afternoon at the adjacent soft play to make a full day out for the kids.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is Amazonia worth it for toddlers? Amazonia is well worth it for toddlers because little ones love looking at colourful dart frogs, tiny marmoset monkeys, and free-roaming birds in a compact indoor space that is easy to navigate on foot.
  • How long does a visit to Amazonia take? A typical visit to Amazonia lasts between 1 and 2 hours, giving families plenty of time to explore the rainforest exhibits, watch the nocturnal zone, and join an animal handling session.
  • Where is the best place to park for Amazonia? Visitors can park for free in the main theme park car parks located directly at the front and rear of the site, offering easy access to the entrance of Amazonia.
  • Are there cheap indoor activities in Motherwell for rainy days? Amazonia provides an affordable indoor rainforest experience in Motherwell, offering a warm weather-proof backup plan complete with interactive animal displays and educational handling sessions.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Krazy Congo Soft Play: Multi-level indoor soft play centre located within the main theme park complex for younger kids.
  • Cosmic Bowl: Modern ten-pin bowling alley offering family entertainment close by.
  • Strathclyde Country Park: Expansive outdoor parklands featuring walking paths, a large water loch, and cycle tracks.
  • Devil's Island Adventure Golf: Outdoor themed mini-golf course situated on-site for extra family competition.

What Visitors Love:

  • The warm, tropical indoor climate makes it a brilliant, weather-proof destination to visit with kids even on rainy Scottish days.
  • The chance to join hands-on animal handling sessions gives children a memorable, educational experience they talk about long after leaving.
  • Compact sizing means younger children can easily complete the walk without getting overly tired.
  • Friendly, knowledgeable keepers take time to answer children's questions during talks.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • The indoor rainforest area can feel quite humid and warm for adults carrying coats or heavy bags for long periods.
  • Peak weekend morning slots can get busy in the narrow walkway sections, making it harder to linger at specific animal glass fronts.
  • Parking areas across the wider theme park can fill up quickly during major school holiday events.

Attractions & Live Exhibits

  • Mammals: Black-tailed marmoset, six-banded armadillo, and nocturnal species like the kinkajou.
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Burmese python, Amazon tree boa, poison dart frogs, and various geckos.
  • Birds: Red-crested turacos, parrots, and exotic forest birds.
  • Invertebrates & Fish: Chilean rose tarantulas, scorpions, and Amazonian freshwater fish species.
  • Live Experiences: Daily keeper talks and supervised animal handling sessions.

New for 2026

  • Expanded Rainforest Canopy Trail: Newly updated viewing platforms offering better overhead sightlines of the free-roaming animal exhibits.
  • Interactive Digital Discovery Boards: Touchscreen learning kiosks installed along the rainforest route providing real-time facts about Amazon conservation.
  • Refreshed Nocturnal Habitats: Upgraded low-light viewing glass and enriched enclosures for the park's resident bats and invertebrates.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard Price

  • Adult (16+): £8.50 Online / £8.95 On the Day.
  • Child: £5.95 Online / £6.50 On the Day.
  • Under 3: FREE.
  • Concession: £7.50 On the Day.
  • Disabled/Carer: £7.50 On the Day.

Group visits

  • Adult (16+): £5.60
  • Child: £4.90
  • Senior: £4.50

Handling Sessions: £1.50 extra on top of normal ticket price.

Pricing URL: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/attractions/amazonia/plan-your-visit/prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Party Package: From £18 per child and £5 per adult.
  • Includes: Guided Amazonia tour, private animal handling, fish feeding, party meal and party bag for each child.
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Party Size: Minimum 10 children, maximum 25 children.
  • Party Times: 11am, 12pm, 2pm or 3pm on weekends/school holidays; 4pm on term-time weekdays.
  • Extras: One-to-one animal encounter £45 for the birthday child; Adventure Golf £3 per person.
  • Booking: £50 non-refundable deposit required; balance due 7 days before the party.

Visit the website for more information.

  • Until Sunday 28 June: 10am–5pm.
  • 29 June–11 August: 10am–5:30pm.
  • 12–31 August: 10am–5pm.
  • Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing.
  • Opening Days: Open 7 days a week.

Address: Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 3RT, Scotland

Post Code: ML1 3RT

Council: North Lanarkshire

County: Lanarkshire

  • By Car: Located at Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, ML1 3RT, easily reached via the M74 at Junction 5. Free car parking is available at the front and rear of the theme park.
  • By Train: Motherwell Railway Station is situated approximately 2 miles away, with local taxi services available to complete the final leg of the trip.

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